Day 1 - London, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight & Quarr Abbey
Morning – London to Portsmouth
Depart London in the morning and travel south toward the coast. As the city fades behind you, the route winds through the South Downs National Park. Expect rolling chalk hills, green valleys, and peaceful farmland along the way.
Mid-Morning – Exploring Portsmouth
Arrive in Portsmouth, a historic port city shaped by centuries of naval history. Spend free time exploring the harbour, following waterfront trails, or visiting the remains of Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose. For panoramic views, head up the Spinnaker Tower before meeting your guide at Gunwharf Terminal.
Afternoon – Ferry to the Isle of Wight & Quarr Abbey
Board the ferry and enjoy views across the Solent during the short crossing. On arrival, step into the slower pace of island life. Visit Quarr Abbey, known for its distinctive architecture blending French, Byzantine, and Moorish styles. Continue to Ryde to admire its Victorian pier and coastal scenery.
Early Evening – Shanklin
Arrive in Shanklin and settle in for your first night. Wander the Old Village with its thatched cottages or choose a cosy restaurant for dinner. The evening is yours to relax.
Day 2 - Osborne House & The Needles
Morning – Isle of Wight Highlights
After breakfast, travel across the island to the Yarborough Monument. From this high point, enjoy sweeping views over the Isle of Wight’s countryside.
Mid-Morning – Osborne House & Lunch
Pause at Brading Downs for photos before arriving at Osborne House. Explore Queen Victoria’s Italian-inspired holiday home, including elegant rooms, historic artefacts, and landscaped gardens. Enjoy free time for lunch nearby.
Afternoon – The Needles & Coastal Views
Head west to the Isle of Wight’s most iconic natural landmark, the Needles. Choose to take a chairlift to the beach, join a boat trip, or explore nearby coastal paths and historic defences. Continue to St Catherine’s Down for panoramic views over the southern coastline.
Early Evening – Shanklin
Return to Shanklin for another free evening. Enjoy a sunset walk along the shore or dine locally.
Day 3 - Winchester, Stonehenge & Exeter
Morning – Ferry to Mainland England
Say goodbye to the Isle of Wight and take the ferry back to Portsmouth. Enjoy final coastal views as you return to the mainland.
Mid-Morning – Journey to Winchester
Travel inland to Winchester, one of England’s most historic cities and former capital.
Afternoon – Winchester & Stonehenge
Spend free time exploring Winchester. Visit the cathedral, see King Arthur’s Round Table, or wander cobbled streets lined with timber-framed buildings. Later, switch groups and continue to Stonehenge. Walk around the ancient stone circle and explore the visitor centre, uncovering theories and legends surrounding this prehistoric monument.
Early Evening – Exeter
Travel west into Devon and arrive in Exeter for a free evening. Explore the historic quayside, city walls, or relax in a traditional pub.
Day 4 - Dartmoor National Park & Tavistock
Morning – Journey into Dartmoor
Leave Exeter and enter the remote landscapes of Dartmoor National Park. Look out for wild ponies grazing near granite tors and open moorland.
Mid-Morning – Widecombe-in-the-Moor & Clapper Bridge
Stop in the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Wander through its streets and admire St Pancras Church. Continue across the moors to Clapper Bridge, an ancient stone crossing that reflects Dartmoor’s long history.
Afternoon – Tavistock & Exeter
Arrive in Tavistock for lunch and free time. Sample a traditional Devon cream tea and explore historic buildings and abbey ruins. Later, return to Exeter and visit highlights such as Exeter Cathedral, known for its soaring vaults and stained glass.
Early Evening – Exeter
Enjoy another free evening to explore Exeter’s restaurants, pubs, or riverside paths.
Day 5 – Boscastle, Tintagel & Falmouth
Morning – Journey to Cornwall
Travel west into Cornwall, where Celtic history and dramatic coastlines define the landscape.
Mid-Morning – Boscastle
Arrive at the fishing village of Boscastle. Explore the harbour, walk to the headland for ocean views, or visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
Afternoon – Tintagel, Port Isaac & Falmouth
Continue to Tintagel and explore the dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle, perched above the sea and linked to the legend of King Arthur. Enjoy lunch nearby before visiting Port Isaac, famous for its narrow streets and Doc Martin connections. Travel south to Falmouth for a two-night stay.
Early Evening – Falmouth
Spend the evening exploring this lively harbour town, with its waterfront restaurants and pubs.
Day 5 - Boscastle, Tintagel & Falmouth
Morning – Journey to Cornwall
Travel west into Cornwall, where Celtic history and dramatic coastlines define the landscape.
Mid-Morning – Boscastle
Arrive at the fishing village of Boscastle. Explore the harbour, walk to the headland for ocean views, or visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
Afternoon – Tintagel, Port Isaac & Falmouth
Continue to Tintagel and explore the dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle, perched above the sea and linked to the legend of King Arthur. Enjoy lunch nearby before visiting Port Isaac, famous for its narrow streets and Doc Martin connections. Travel south to Falmouth for a two-night stay.
Early Evening – Falmouth
Spend the evening exploring this lively harbour town, with its waterfront restaurants and pubs.
Day 6 - Minack Theatre, Land’s End & St Ives
Morning – Cornwall’s Western Coast
Journey through rugged Cornish landscapes toward the Atlantic coast.
Mid-Morning – Minack Theatre
Stop at Long Rock Beach for views of St Michael’s Mount. Continue to the Minack Theatre, dramatically set above Porthcurno Beach. Explore the open-air theatre when available and enjoy coastal views.
Afternoon – Land’s End & St Ives
Visit Land’s End, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through former tin-mining landscapes before arriving in St Ives. Enjoy free time for lunch, a beach walk, or exploring the town’s streets. Return to Falmouth later in the day.
Early Evening – Falmouth
Enjoy another free evening, perhaps sampling a Cornish pasty or local cider.
Day 7 - Bodmin Moor, Glastonbury & London
Morning – Bodmin Moor & Jamaica Inn
Leave Falmouth and travel across Bodmin Moor, a wild landscape dotted with standing stones and tors. Stop at Jamaica Inn, known for smuggling tales and literary history.
Afternoon – Glastonbury
Continue to Glastonbury and enjoy free time to explore its historic streets. Visit Glastonbury Tor if you wish, or relax with lunch in town.
Early Evening – Return to London
Begin the journey back to London, arriving at approximately 7:30pm. Reflect on a week of legends, coastlines, and unforgettable landscapes along England’s southern edge.
